Deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to various missions in the country and across the globe can not only take a toll on the soldiers themselves but also affect their family members too.
This informed the decision by various organisations within the military to craft special training to cater for the families as they are often forgotten during the process, which can be life-changing.
From dealing with anxiety when a loved one is on the battlefield to maintaining family relations during deployment, families are taught how to live without the soldiers during missions.
As part of KDF's programmes to promote the well-being of families, the military, in conjunction with the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), occasionally trains family members before their kin are deployed.
The training- which mostly targets spouses- focuses on mental health, financial support and family well-being of families.
During mental training, the families are trained on creating a peaceful environment in their homes prior to the deployment to ensure that the soldiers and their families are at peace.
This helps the soldiers focus on their assignments without being distracted by wrangles that happen back at home.
“Let’s not make our homes war zones. Be humble, and know when to listen and when to talk. Avoid comparing your home with that of your friends since you shall end up stressing your spouses,” a Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) official advised during a past training.
Under financial management, spouses are also trained to manage finances prudently, given that their loved one can go on a mission for months.
The financial management training is aimed at ensuring that the families remain stable.
In the process, they are also taught to create wealth for themselves through income-generating activities such as business.
Additionally, as witnessed with the soldiers deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) early in the week, spouses are also encouraged to have loved ones draft wills in preparation for any eventualities.
“A battleground is not a bed of roses. When your spouses leave for such missions and operations, the best thing for you to do is to give them sufficient peace and take care of the resources they leave in your care.
"Ensure you’re dependable stewards so they may be at peace as they serve and even when they return,” Chief of Compensation and Welfare (C&W) Brigadier Khaoya told families during a past training.
